1988 BMW 316 vs. 1973 Mazda RX-4
To start off, 1988 BMW 316 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mazda RX-4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mazda RX-4 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1973 Mazda RX-4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mazda RX-4 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mazda RX-4 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 730 kg more than 1973 Mazda RX-4.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1973 Mazda RX-4 (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1973 Mazda RX-4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1973 Mazda RX-4 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 316 | RX-4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
